Baltimore's vessel traffic movement impacted after bridge collapse

Good demand in New York

Tight supply in Zona Comun

PHOTO: Aerial view of the Port of Houston, Texas. Getty Images

North America

Houston's bunker fuel demand has slowed down this week. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO has slightly improved compared to previous weeks. Some suppliers can offer both grades with lead times of 5-7 days. HSFO remains tight for prompt dates in Houston, and longer lead times of 8-10 days are recommended for the grade, a source says.

Availability of all fuel grades is tight for prompt dates in Beaumont. One supplier is able to offer HSFO and LSMGO with a lead time of seven days.

The Port of Baltimore has ceased all vessel traffic since Tuesday as a part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a collision with a container ship. This has affected bunker deliveries at the port and Annapolis Anchorages.

The port authorities have not provided a timeline for when vessel traffic will resume.

Alternative locations, such as Norfolk or Marcus Hook in Philadelphia, are being considered for bunker deliveries because of the temporary closure of the Port of Baltimore.

At the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA), VLSFO and LSMGO can be secured for prompt dates. One supplier can deliver VLSFO and LSMGO within three days.

Bunkering was proceeding normally in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) on Thursday, after intermittent suspensions during the earlier part of this week. Bad weather is forecast over the weekend and may disrupt deliveries again.

Despite weather concerns, LSMGO and VLSFO are available for prompt dates in GOLA. One supplier can offer VLSFO and LSMGO for deliveries in the first week of April. These deliveries can be done on a first-come, first-served basis if the weather permits.

Demand has dropped in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. VLSFO and LSMGO availability have held better in both ports. One supplier can offer LSMGO stems with a lead time of 4-5 days. HSFO supply is tight for prompt dates in both West Coast ports.

Availability of all fuel grades for prompt dates is normal in the East Coast port of New York. Demand has been good this week, with several enquiries seen for VLSFO and LSMGO, a source says.

Caribbean and Latin America

VLSFO and LSMGO demand has remained good in Panama's Balboa port this week. Product availability is normal, with several suppliers able to supply both fuel grades for prompt and non-prompt dates. Demand for HSFO in Balboa has also improved from the week prior, and a supplier can offer the fuel grade with a lead time of 6-7 days.

Prompt availability of VLSFO and LSMGO has been tight off Trinidad, and delivery prospects are subject to enquiries, a source says. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO with one supplier vary between 9-17 days.

Bunker fuel availability in Argentina’s Zona Comun remains extremely tight due to intermittent weather-related suspensions. This has delayed bunker operations and also dented demand in the area, a source says.

Bunkering was proceeding normally in Zona Comun on Thursday. But bad weather conditions are forecast from Saturday and could cause prolonged delays and bunker backlogs.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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